Some of you may have noticed I have been quiet on my blog this summer, but I assure you, it is only temporary. I have been busy with grad school, family, instituting a lifestyle change to allow me to get healthy, and finding a new job.

Grad school

Last winter, I decided to return to school and seek out a graduate degree. I earned a good chunk of my bachelor degree online, and I thought I would do the same for my graduate degree. Unfortunately, the school I chose, basically, sucks. I took two courses, and I was less-than-impressed. I just finished the second course in June, and I am now evaluating my resources and options to switch to a new school.

I think I am going to do on-campus classes, but that will need to wait until I get established in my new job and can fulfill some prerequisites, plus it will take longer to complete. But in the long run, I think I will be happier with that degree.

Instituting a new lifestyle change to get healthy

In the past 9 years I have tried many times to lose weight and to lead a healthier lifestyle. Twice I have lost between 50 and 90 lbs only to later regain the weight.

This time, I have sought the guidance of a weight-loss team. Under the supervision of a doctor and dietitian, I am trying it again and so far, I feel more successful. I am currently at 48 lbs lost, and I feel awesome. I still have a long way to go (at least another 40 lbs), but I am feeling confident that I can do it. I have been swimming 4-5 days per week and eating healthier.

A new job

I was not looking for a new job. In fact, I have been quite happy with my current position. But while I was looking for job options for a family member, I came across one that, I thought, I was a perfect fit for. So I submitted my resume. After a very fast interview process, I was offered the job. It all happened very quickly.

My current position is with the MN Department of Health, which is a state agency, making me a state employee. My new position is at the Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) in Rosemount, MN. DCTC is a part of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) which is a state system, which means I will still be a state employee. This is awesome for me because it means not starting over with benefits, vacation time, sick time, etc. It is also 21 miles closer to my home. :)

I am excited to start my new position, but I had a lot of loose ends to wrap up at my current job, so I asked for a month to finish those things up. I will start my new job on August 2nd.

Blogging

I still love blogging, and I have no intention of stopping. I have 3 partially finished posts just about ready to go and ideas for more. I hope to release those before CFUnited 2010.

I am also really looking forward to CFUnited 2010. Though it will be the last CFUnited, I suspect it will still be fantastic, and I am looking forward to seeing all of my community friends.